Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa Tree Board met Sept. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Meeting brought to order: 7:00

Present at meeting: Chair – Christine Frangoulis, Judy Fenza, Carol Wahlstrom, Vicki Stacy

Others in attendance: Brent Barron

Board members not in attendance: Mike Weygand, Nathan Weiss

Public comment offered:

Review Minutes from Aug 31 – Motion to approve from Vicki Stacy, seconded by Judy Fenza

New Business: Christine and myself are scheduled for a meeting for Oct 12 with Tami Koppen, Commissioner Marla

Pearson, Tom Duttlinger, Matt Stafford and Adam Clark to talk about how the Tree Board could be more actively involved in the city process of choosing and planting trees.

The area of Autumnwood Dr. was discussed, new roadwork is going in and trees will be planted.

Christine will check on getting a list of proposed trees to be planted on Madison St from Stephanie Stacy.

How can the Tree Board open better communication with community for education of tree planting and maintenance.

Public tree planting, library reading about trees, children writing about trees and a tree identification walk were discussed. Also tagging trees with educational information

Judy Fenza requested trees for the canal area.

An educational spot on the city website was also discussed or perhaps a Tree Board Facebook page.

Discussion on adding tree information from the Openlands tree list to update the current city tree list. Some of the information would help educate anyone choosing a tree from the list. Right tree/ right place.

Old Business:

Tree Permits/Appeals Received – to be reviewed: none

Meeting Adjourned : 8:10

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/Government/Boards_Commissions/Tree_Board/2023_Minutes/3-Tree-Board-Minutes-Sept-2023.pdf